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Iona University

New Rochelle, NY Private · Suburban Est. 1940 www.iona.edu
Accept Rate
91.14%
Grad Rate
57%
Enrollment
2,731
Avg SAT
1167
Tuition
$45,880
Median Salary
$73,595
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Iona University offers a close-knit, spirited campus environment where students feel seen and supported by faculty and peers. The small class sizes and active campus life create a welcoming, tight community feel that blends academic focus with lively school pride.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

91.14%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 116775th Pctl
10551265
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2675th Pctl
2028
1122436

Admissions Tips

Apply early and highlight your fit with Iona’s mission-driven, service-oriented community in your essays. Demonstrate interest by visiting campus or attending virtual events, and showcase leadership or relevant experience in your top programs like Business, Health Professions, or Communications. Strong senior-year grades matter, as Iona values an upward academic trajectory.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

🎯

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1167
40080012001600
School range: 10551265

⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Iona’s academic strengths lie in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Communications, Psychology, Criminal Justice, and Education, taught by accessible, student-centered faculty. Undergraduates benefit from hands-on learning, internships, and community partnerships that bring coursework to life, with research opportunities available through faculty mentorship.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
34.8%
Health Professions
11.2%
Communications
9.3%
Psychology
9.1%
Criminal Justice
8.2%
Education
5.6%
Social Sciences
4.4%
Computer Science
4%
English & Literature
3%
Biology & Biomedical
2.8%
Public Administration
2.6%
History
1.6%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

57%
Graduation Rate
80%
Retention Rate
2,731
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$45,880
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$27,951
After financial aid
Total Cost
$57,336
Cost of attendance/year
26.2%
Receive Pell Grants
42.9%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in New Rochelle

Students enjoy New Rochelle’s walkable downtown, restaurants, and nearby beaches, plus easy access to New York City for concerts, internships, and cultural outings. On campus, clubs, athletics, and events keep social life active, with weekend trips to the city and local hotspots a popular routine.

Local Rent Check

$1,856 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in New Rochelle
Explore New Rochelle

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$183,520
$0Est. 4 Years: $183,520

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($73,595):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Iona’s suburban campus is generally considered safe, with campus security and standard precautions in place. The surrounding New Rochelle area has typical suburban dynamics, and students should exercise normal urban awareness when traveling off campus.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Small classes and supportive, accessible faculty who know students by name
  • Strong programs in Business, Health Professions, and Communications with real-world internships
  • Suburban campus near NYC, offering both community feel and big-city opportunities
  • Active campus life with Division I athletics and plenty of clubs

Cons

  • Graduation rate is lower than average, which may reflect fit or part-time student trends
  • Tuition is high, so net price and aid package are key to affordability
  • Social life is quieter if you crave a large, urban campus vibe

Notable Alumni

Bob Dole (attended)
Former U.S. Senator and presidential candidate who attended Iona before transferring to Kansas.
Elaine Zayak
Olympic gold medalist in figure skating and Iona alumna.
Franco Nero
Acclaimed Italian actor and Iona alumnus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Iona is known for its business, health professions, communications, psychology, criminal justice, and education programs, delivered in a small, student-centered setting. It emphasizes experiential learning, internships, and community engagement, with a strong focus on mentorship and values-driven education.

Admissions are selective but accessible, with an acceptance rate of 91.14%. The middle 50% SAT range is about 1167, and successful applicants typically show solid GPAs and a clear fit with Iona’s mission.

Campus life is community-oriented, with small classes, active clubs, and Division I athletics that foster school spirit. Students enjoy a suburban setting near New Rochelle’s downtown and easy access to New York City for weekend activities.

For many students, yes—especially with strong aid and a clear academic plan. The average net price is $27,951 and the 10-year median earnings are $73,595, with particularly good ROI in Business, Health Professions, and Communications.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Pfizer New York Life Goldman Sachs JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Smart Start Score
71

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1940
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 3,473
  • In-State Tuition $45,880
  • Zip Code 10801

Gender Ratio

♂ 46.8% ♀ 53.2%

The Money Talk

At roughly $45,880 in tuition, the average net price of $27,951 reflects grants and aid, and the 10-year median earnings of $73,595 suggest solid ROI for many programs. With 26% of students receiving Pell Grants, the value proposition depends on your aid package and major, but strong outcomes in Business, Health, and Communications can justify the investment.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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📍 Campus Location

📅 Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1–15
Regular Decision Jan 1–15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines →

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

🧮 Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $45,880
Housing (12 mo) $22,272
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $75,352
With avg financial aid:
$27,951/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.